3 Days in Ibiza: Ultimate Guide for A Perfect Island Break
Ibiza is one of the most popular holiday destinations for both Spaniards and Europeans in general. Party-goers flock to the island to enjoy its famous nightlife and those seeking a bit of R&R head to any of its stunning beaches. 3 days in Ibiza is the perfect length of time to get a taste of what the island has to offer, try some of the incredible food, bathe in the crystal clear waters, and even enjoy one of the world's best clubs – if you want to.
In just 3 days, it's important to get the balance right between sightseeing and relaxing. After all, you don't want to visit Ibiza and come back more stressed than when you arrived.
This 3-day Ibiza itinerary will take you to some of my favorite places, including beaches, restaurants, towns, and bars. You'll love it so much that you'll be booking a longer trip next time!
3 Days in Ibiza: What You Need to Know
For the sake of this itinerary, I'm going to imagine you're visiting Ibiza in May or September. In my opinion, these are the best months to explore this amazing island as there are fewer tourists, accommodation is a bit cheaper and restaurants and beach bars are still open. The weather is generally great too, and a little cooler than in the hotter summer months.
You'll need to rent a car to get around Ibiza. There is public transport but a lot of it isn't direct and it's hard to get to the more secluded bays.
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Ibiza
Ibiza is the third smallest of the Balearic Islands and it's only around 20 miles long. So wherever you stay, you'll only be a quick drive away from other villages, beaches, and tourist spots.
For a longer trip on the island, I'd recommend staying close to one of the amazing beaches or inland in an idyllic village.
But to keep it practical for three days, your best bet is to stay in the beautiful part of Ibiza Town or San Antonio. These two towns are well-located and just a short drive from all the recommendations I've listed on this itinerary.
Best Hotels to Stay at for 3 Days in Ibiza
There are lots of amazing hotels in Ibiza. You can find everything from boutique yoga retreats to 5-star luxury resorts. Looking around, you can also find some great and more affordable options. Below are some of my favorites.
Luxury Hotels:
- ($$$) The Standard, Ibiza Town
- ($$$) Nobu Hotel, Ibiza Bay
Mid-Range Hotels:
Budget Hotels:
3-Day Ibiza Itinerary
Day 1 Morning: Ibiza Old Town
There are two ways to arrive in Ibiza – either by plane or by boat from Dénia, Barcelona, or Valencia. Either way, you'll arrive in Ibiza Town, so it's the perfect place to start your island tour.
I'd not recommend walking around the main town itself. You've only got 3 days and you don't need to spend it looking at mainstream shops and pretty average buildings. I would, however, definitely recommend walking around the Old Town – also called Dalt Vila.
The Old Town is the area around the hill in the center of Ibiza. It's a goldmine of cobbled streets, little churches, and beautiful Balearic buildings covered in bougainvillea. At the top of the hill is the Dalt Vila fortress which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's worth walking up to the fortress for a great view over the port and ocean but definitely bring some water, it's pretty steep and hot!
Day 1 Lunch
There are a couple of options for lunch in Ibiza's Old Town. Some of my favorites are:
These are all great Spanish restaurants serving local dishes.
Day 1 Afternoon: Head to The Beach!
There are some amazing beaches around Ibiza Town. Playa d'en Bossa is one of the most famous nearby and it's certainly a good option if you want a quick dip. It's not, however, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ibiza.
If you have the time, I'd rather head to Cala d'Hort. It's around 25 minutes drive from town and the beach is incredible, with white rocks and sand and perfectly turquoise waters.
Day 1 Evening: Drinks and Dinner in a Chiringuito
One of the main reasons to head to Cala d'Hort is because it's on the west coast of the island. This means you get to see one of Ibiza's famous sunsets. You can either enjoy it from the beach or head to a chiringuito, a Spanish beach bar. There are lots of them dotted along Cala d'Hort and they're perfect for a cocktail and light dinner.
If you fancy a restaurant nearby, you could try Cala d'Hort Restaurant. The guisat de peix, a kind of fish stew, is amazing and the views are beautiful. I'd recommend booking if you plan on going at the weekend or in high season.
Day 2 Morning: Breakfast on The Beach
While San Antonio isn't the most beautiful of towns, it can be a great place to stay in Ibiza thanks to its location. There are lots of amenities and it's known for its vibrant nightlife. It's also close to some of my favorite beaches and coves!
Grab some breakfast in San Antonio – Harinus Forn Artesà is a great bakery selling all kinds of ensaïmadas, a kind of light pastry covered in sugar.
From there, take your breakfast and head to Cala Saladeta. It's one of my favorite beaches on the island and it's perfect for an early morning swim before the crowds arrive.
Day 2 Lunch
From Cala Saladeta head to the beautiful village of Santa Agnès de Corona. Some options for lunch are:
Day 2 Afternoon: Enjoy Santa Agnès de Corona
To really understand why Ibiza is called the White Isle, you need to go inland to see some of the stunning villages. The more traditional ones have beautiful bright white buildings that are often very square.
Santa Agnès is a favorite of mine, especially in spring, as it's in an almond tree valley and it's stunning when all the blossom comes out. It's a beautiful village to walk around after lunch and you could even rent bikes to fully enjoy the amazing landscape.
Day 2 Evening: Watch the Sunset
From Santa Agnès head back towards San Antonio to enjoy the sunset in Ibiza's legendary beach club, Cafe del Mar. You need to book in advance and you should be aware that there is a minimum charge but it's amazing if you want to enjoy a delicious cocktail with good music and great vibes. It's one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of this Spanish island and the music it's famous for.
Not a fan of expensive cocktails? You can always grab a drink from one of the shops nearby and sit on the beach close to the bar. You'll still hear the music and it's a fraction of the price!
You can stay in Cafe del Mar to eat, or you can head to another restaurant in San Antonio for dinner. Monkey is a popular, bohemian, and chic restaurant further along the beach serving Mediterranean dishes. The tomato salad is amazing and you'll need to book in advance.
Day 3 Morning: Las Dalias Hippy Market
Las Dalias is a large hippy market in Santa Eulalia, on Ibiza's east coast. It's an open-air market selling clothes, accessories, decorations, and artwork. The market is a great place to wander around, listen to music, and chat with the locals. If you'd rather go in the evening, there's a night market on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays. They also hold several parties and events which you'll need to buy tickets in advance for.
Las Dalias is also home to some great food stalls and a cafe that's open from 9 am for breakfast. If you don't arrive in time for breakfast, you could also grab some lunch here including paellas, pizza, and tacos.
Day 3 Afternoon: Go to The Beach Near Santa Eulalia
There are lots of famous beaches close to Santa Eulalia that are perfect for spending your last afternoon. A couple of my favorites are:
- Cala Mastella: This is a beautiful small cove surrounded by pine trees and rocks.
- Cala Martina: A perfect sandy beach that's ideal for kids and families.
- Cala Llonga: This is a little more of a built-up beach but it's great for families and facilities.
- Cala Olivera: This is one of my favorite beaches in Ibiza. It's all sand surrounded by forests which gives it a really secluded feel.
Day 3 Evening: Get the Best View of Ibiza Island
When you've had enough of lounging on the beach, drive back to the west of the island for your final evening. Mirador Es Vedrà is a stunning viewpoint that's perfect for sunset. You can look out over the island of Es Vedra and watch the sun slowly set behind it.
You have to park your car in the car park and walk down the little track to the viewpoint, so wear some good shoes. There's a lovely atmosphere and, the last time I went, someone had even set up a bar!
Book Your Trip To Spain
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Spain.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Spain, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Euros. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
Stay Connected Anywhere
Getting an eSIM card from Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees.
Don't Go Without Travel Insurance
Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo, my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased!
3 Days in Ibiza: Frequently Asked Questions
⏰ Is 3 Days Enough Time in Ibiza?
3 days is a good amount of time to see the best of everything Ibiza has to offer. Of course, a little longer means you can enjoy even more incredible beaches and charming villages but 3 days will certainly give you a feel for the island. With so many flights coming and going from Ibiza airport, it's the perfect destination for a long weekend.
📅 When's The Best Time to Visit Ibiza
If you want to enjoy Ibiza's world-famous nightlife, then you'll need to go when the clubs officially open, which is usually between April and September. I think May and September are the best months to go as the weather is still warm but there are fewer people.
👨👩👦 Is Ibiza a Good Place to Go with Kids?
Ibiza is a great place to go with kids, especially kids who love playing on the beach and jumping in pools! Between Mallorca and Ibiza, however, I'd say Mallorca is easier to navigate with kids. There are more kid-friendly beaches and accommodation options.
💰 Is Ibiza Expensive?
Ibiza isn't known for being cheap and you can certainly find some very expensive hotels and restaurants. If you're on a budget, you can still find some good hostels close to some of the best beaches, but eating out and going to the world-renowned clubs will be difficult.
3 Days in Ibiza: Final Words
Ibiza is the perfect island for a 3-day mini break. There's a little something for everyone, whether you want picture-perfect beaches, amazing nightlife, or top-quality food. It can get pretty touristy in summer, so go out of season if you want to share the beaches with only a few other people.
By following this 3-day itinerary, you'll see the best bits of the island whilst also leaving a couple of beaches and villages for your next visit.
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!
